News Archive

Ben Berman ’20 has loved storytelling for as long as he can remember. A lifelong theater enthusiast who began writing as a student at Calvert, he has turned that passion into a successful career path. Today, he studies screenwriting at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts and writes for both stage and screen. He is especially drawn to the entertainment industry’s collaborative nature. Although the writing process often begins alone, Ben enjoys working with directors, producers, and actors to bring a story to life and seeing his words transformed through performance and production.

As she begins her first full year as Head of Lower School, Ashley Heller is building on the strong foundation that has long defined Calvert’s approach to educating young learners. She joined the Calvert faculty in 2025, bringing 17 years of experience as a teacher, learning specialist, and school leader. Before coming to Calvert, Mrs. Heller served as Vice Principal and Interim Principal at KIPP DC: Connect Academy. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Elon University and a Master of Arts in Special Education from The Catholic University of America.

On June 4, the Class of 2026 completed their Calvert journeys with a graduation ceremony on the Castalia Lawn. It was a morning full of tradition, from white dresses and gleaming CS pins to Heigh-ho for Merry June and the passing of the class banner.

In his Reflection speech during the ceremony, Jack P. '26 shared, "It can be sad when a voyage comes to an end, but the fact that no voyage lasts forever reminds us of the importance of cherishing every moment. I have learned that your experiences on a journey stay with you even after it's over. The confidence we have developed in ourselves here at Calvert, our willingness to stretch our comfort zones, and the bonds we have made will last us all well into the future."

Before receiving their certificates and officially becoming Calvert alumni, Jay Salovaara '22 gave the Charge to the Eighth Grade where he encouraged the Class of 2026 to approach their high school years with hope. "Hopefulness is a powerful thing. It gives us room to grow and the motivation to strive for something better," Jay shared.

Calvert roots run especially deep for six members of the Class of 2026. We were proud to honor these legacy families and their shared Calvert history across generations of their families.

Prior to the graduation ceremony, we celebrated these families with a special photo to recognize their enduring connection to the School.

On May 20, the Class of 2026 gathered for the Almost Alumni Lunch, where they celebrated their Calvert years and learned about opportunities to stay engaged with the school community beyond graduation.

For Charlie Niccolini ’17, the road to Broadway began with a love of performance that started at Calvert. From Lower School class plays to Middle School musicals, these early experiences built the foundation. The cornerstone was a pivotal moment in Fifth Grade when Charlie played Baloo in The Jungle Book. This was the first time he received such genuine and positive feedback, which helped him realize he had found something special.

Andrew Schapiro ’95 has always been drawn to places with a strong sense of community, and today, he’s helping create one of his own. As owner and innkeeper of The Ark in Deer Isle, Maine, Andrew welcomes guests into a thoughtfully designed space that blends modern hospitality with a nod to the inn’s history.

For Cullen Little ’15, squash is about more than competition. From Calvert to McDonogh and the University of Virginia, the sport helped shape his discipline, leadership, and sense of community. Today, Cullen channels those same values into an ambitious effort to grow the game of squash in Los Angeles.